My dog has a rash on her stomach and a lump on her ear. What is it?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively! The lump could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

Hi and thanks for using PetCoach! Sorry to hear about Ruby. This looks like bacterial dermatitis, also known as a staph infection. This condition is caused by a bacteria known as Staphylococcus pseudointermedius. It is a normal bacterial resident on the skin of dogs and very commonly causes problems like this in dogs. It can present as a red rash or with red bumps (papules) and if they contain pus they are called pustules. Sometimes the cause is unknown and other times it's caused by external parasites (fleas, ticks, mites, etc), allergies to inhaled allergens/flea bite allergies/or food allergies, contact irritants or allergens, internal organ problems, intestinal parasite problems, nutritional problems, a primary bacterial skin problem, and the list goes on. Most of the time it is hard to narrow down the causative problem. If it presents as a seasonal problem (spring-fall) when it first starts, this is indicative of inhaled allergies called atopy. Typically, each spring it starts and can persist into the fall depending on what the dog is allergic to. It can worsen if the dog gets allergic to more allergens and can become a year-round problem. This is NOT Contagious between dogs or people. this area is small enough that you could probably monitor it unless Ruby is licking it and it's bothering her. If you do decide to take her (or it worsens, or other signs develop) your vet can take a detailed history and do a complete exam with diagnostics to follow if indicated. Sometimes these infections are stubborn and require oral antibiotics and medicines for itching because this condition can become rather itchy and irritating for the pet. Antihistamines or even steroids are used to calm the itch depending upon the level of itching and the suspected cause. Fish oil is also good for the skin and all organs of the body as they are anti-inflammatory. Many other strategies can be employed such as antibacterial shampoos. If you are interested in trying some great supplements for her skin and hair coat please visit this link- http://www.vrshealth.com/canine-products/?petcoach=1977951 Canine Omega Benefits and Cutaneo TruBenefits Use promo code “petcoach20” to receive a discount at checkout.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a focal infection. You can try to use a medicated shampoo containing chlorhexidine twice weekly for 2 weeks. If there is no improvement or in the meantime this appears to be getting worse, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a focal infection. You can try to use a medicated shampoo containing chlorhexidine twice weekly for 2 weeks. If there is no improvement or in the meantime this appears to be getting worse, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. This does not appear to be an emergency. Good luck and have a good night!

This redness indicates inflammation and is usually itchy. This is often due to one of two conditions. 1) Allergies - this can happen suddenly and is usually due to an environmental (i.e pollen) cause. https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-tell-if-your-pet-has-allergies/ 2) External parasites - fleas, lice and mites can all cause intense itching. It's good to check her for fleas and get treatment if needed. This pattern is more suspicious of mange, which is a mite infestation. A veterinarian can check for these mites and prescribe treatment. One thing you can do for itchy skin, is give a bath with cool water using an oatmeal or aloe shampoo. You can get these shampoos at the pet store. Below is a link with more helpful advice for relieving the itch. https://www.petcoach.co/article/4-great-strategies-for-relieving-your-dog-s-allergies/ I hope this helps you to identify the problem. If not, then it would be worth taking her to the vet. We can usually discover the cause quickly and provide the best treatment.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. It could be that Harley Moon has an allergic reaction to something outside, could have ringworm, or it could be puppy pyoderma (a skin infection). It's a very good idea to have this seen by a vet this week, and for now, keep an eye on her. If it appears to be itching her, you can can give her an oatmeal bath to see if that helps soothe her skin. I'd also put an Ecollar on her if she starts licking at it. You can make one at home or you can buy one at a pet store. I hope this helps!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Autumn. She could have a rash from an allergic reaction or she could have a skin infection. I would have to see her in person in order to make a diagnosis, so I recommend you take her into the vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing her skin issue and can treat her. I'd try to take her into a vet today. I hope this helps!